deepstash
Beta
Deepstash brings you key ideas from the most inspiring articles like this one:
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
How to Navigate Office Politics and Avoid Needless Drama
7
Key Ideas
Save all ideas
Coworkers That Cause Drama
When you're second-guessing yourself before communicating with someone, you probably have reservations based on their past reactions.
When you do need to communicate with such people, you may need to tailor your messages to the expectation of how they might react.
104 SAVES
146 READS
Don't Pretend to Be Above Office Politics
You work with a variety of people and you won't always get along with everyone. Telling yourself, "I don't engage in office politics, I tell it like it is," is a flawed tactic that might just cause more trouble.
When you stick your foot in your mouth, all you can do is apologize and explain it was a genuine mistake.
103 SAVES
112 READS
Ask Questions
Ask your contacts in any new environment.
- Are there sensitive topics that I shouldn't discuss without talking to you first?
- Can you draw an organizational chart for me?
- Who should my main point of contact be for this project?
- Is there a certain process I should follow for this task? Is it okay if I talk to this person first?
- With whom should I be engaging?
With a clear understanding of how they work and are their organizational hierarchy, you're less likely to do something that will cause unnecessary drama or miscommunication.
112 SAVES
112 READS
Be Quiet and Listen
If you are new to an office environment you should be listening 95% of the time. Ask a lot of questions to get a good understanding of how things work.
The thing with office politics is that you don't know what the trigger words are.
100 SAVES
112 READS
Know Which The Sensitive Topics
Every office has trigger words that get everyone up in a frenzy once someone blurts them out.
95 SAVES
98 READS
Avoid "Reply to All" Like It's the Plague
Unless 100% of the recipients will find your information useful, only reply directly to the sender.
"Reply all" is too often the cause of office drama. Always be sure to check if you've accidentally clicked "reply all" before sending a sensitive message.
98 SAVES
98 READS
Never Start Drama on a Friday
- Best time to start drama (if there is a "best" time): Monday afternoon.
- Worst time to start drama: Friday afternoon.
If you find yourself in a heated battle, try and find a way to collaborate and find a middle ground to deal with the issue at hand.
95 SAVES
106 READS
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
8
Key Ideas
An Unbalanced Life
We live in a culture where work demands our complete allegiance. At the same time, it can be extremely enriching. You feel challenged by your work, you're attached to it, you're learning new things...
Redefine Success
Reconsider how you define success. Workaholics are always aiming to get ahead. But you also need to draw a boundary line that shows respect for your family life, and your physical and spiritual well-being.
Refocus Your Attention
After you have redefined success, consider how you want to invest your time and energy.
There will always be more work to be done, but make a choice to spend your time elsewhere: with family, friends, or in your community. And when you spend time with your family or friends, do so with undivided attention.
10
Key Ideas
Workplace Drama
When workplace drama affects you, it can become an insidious cloud that permeates your day-to-day.
Be mindful and ask yourself, "What is actually going on here?" Focus on the fa...
Count Your Elephants
Make a list of all of the awkward, uncomfortable realities that haven't been discussed out in the open.
Set aside time to consciously think through, what's actually bothering you right now and write down these elephants to enable you to resolve these issues.
Identify Your Role In The Problem
Be honest with yourself: Are you contributing to the situation negatively or doing anything to help?
Write down the ways in which you've contributed, and identify how you can personally take responsibility.
1
Key Idea
Awkward Work Scenarios
- Others taking credit for your work: speak up when presenting your joint ideas, else the boss will remember that the other was the one who did all the talking.